One part recycling and two parts creativity, altered journals and books are a popular art form that proves anything goes. What are they exactly? Altered books and journals are existing books that are reworked by cutting, adding and gluing a variety of materials and techniques to become deviations from the original object and ultimately, an original work of art.

Altered journals and books differ greatly from handmade books. Handmade books have covers, pages and binding that are constructed and assembled by a person from scratch, whereas altered journals and books come from a book that is already constructed. You can play off of the original idea behind the book or convey what you feel about the book or subject matter. Or, do something altogether unrelated to the book-it is up to you. The underlying concept with an altered book is that an existing book is used as its base.

Altered books have a long history that can be traced back as early as the 11th Century. Italian monks recycled old manuscripts written on vellum by scraping off the ink and adding new text and illustrations on top of the old. This practice was known as "Palimpsest". In the late 19th century, the Victorians illustrated books with pictures torn from other books, family pictures, recipes and newspaper clippings. Today artists are exploring the form of the book along with its meaning, turning an old object into a personal keepsake or a stunning work of art.

Getting Started

Here are some handy materials to have on hand:

Paints, Gels and Mediums - A variety of acrylic paint, gels and mediums can inject texture and colour and adhere images to the page.

Glue and Adhesives - Glue pages together to add more stability when you add embellishments. You can also create windows by cutting into the glued pages. Try Opus Wood and Paper Glue or 3M Spray Adhesives.

Pens and Markers - Scribble out words and emphasize others, add detail and embellish your pages. Try Staedtler's Hot Foil Pen or Pentel's Metallic Brush Pen.

Decorative Paper - Glue shapes and create flaps and envelopes to the page. Visit our decorative paper drawers for a variety of coloured and textured paper.

Utility Knives & Blades - Cut through pages or cut your materials. Extra blades will ensure a clean cut.

There are no rules to altered books. Altered books explore the possibilities of transformation as the book becomes the canvas for new ideas and images to emerge.

Staff Tips

• Use Winsor Newton Spray Varnish to give your pages a final coat.
• Make interesting and decorative surfaces with crackle finish, decorative paper and gold leaf.
• Use Lazertran and Chartpak Pens for image transfers.
• Add glassy bag as an insert for exciting bits & pieces.

  Been Bitten by the Altered Books bug?
  Go to Opus' Classes & Workshops to view RubyDog's Art House and Sylvia Graham's courses for altered books.

  Then search for other creative courses to catch your eye. Choose from over 200 instructors listed in our database!